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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 13, 2006 - 7 BARRIE ERSKINE/ OAKVILLE BEAVER MAGIC WRITER: Gord Terry, general manager of LeapFrog, Canada demonstrates the FLY Pentop Computer. New computer pen makes learning fun By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Students could be "flying" through their studies this school year with the world's first pentop computer from educational toys giant LeapFrog. Remember when it was debatable whether calculators should be used for exams? This school year, kids need only a pen and paper to draw themselves a working calculator -- or a keyboard that plays music, pass the time with a Harry Potter Marauder's Map or learn algebra with the help of a tutor, in their pen. Mind you it's a certain kind of pen and paper -- a FLY Pentop Computer and FLY paper from LeapFrog. The pen costs $99 and it's $12.99 for a 100-sheet notebook of the dot matrix paper. There is also a whole range of related new products marketed under the FLY brand by LeapFrog for the tween market -- those aged eight to 13. The products went into stores this summer in Canada -- last year in the U.S. "It's the world's first pentop computer," said LeapFrog Canada general manager Gord Terry of Oakville. "The FLY Pentop Computer from LeapFrog is a new, leading edge computing platform designed to bring the power of computer interactivity to the most prolific and easiest-to-use interface of all -- pen and paper," said Terry. LeapFrog is headquartered on Speers Road in Oakville and its new FLY Pentop Computer and all its accessories -- from a carrying case to themed software packages -- are on the shelves of stores like Wal-Mart, Zellers and Toys R Us. When you pick up a FLY Pentop Computer it allows you to write on a piece of paper and then interact with the writing on the paper. Someone using the FLY Pentop Computer can draw a calculator, then touch the picture and the pen will announce the answer to their calculation. In the case of its algebra software package, parents and teachers will be happy to know, the answers to problems written on the paper aren't forthcoming, but step-by-step "help" is available and the pen emits correct and incorrect sound effects so a student doesn't go wrong along the way. LeapFrog has traditionally catered to a younger set -- infants to young children -- but the FLY Pentop Computer not only heralds the birth of paper-based computing, it is aimed at an older market -- those aged eight to 13. Marketed under the FLY brand, not LeapFrog, which caters to the younger set, the FLY Pentop Computer was tested by a group of 50 product testers dubbed the Quantum X Team. This computer pen says good morning, provides the date and time, even lets you know your schedule, including that soccer game -- and it picks up on most handwriting. For tech-savvy kids it's easy to pick up and use. For parents who need some instructions it comes well-equipped with a "launch pad" and card for getting started. It can be set for Canadian or American use, and will then apply the suitable information, including Canadian spelling. "Where LeapFrog comes from is all about education, unlocking the educational potential for all children," said Terry, noting, "This is our first entry to the tween market." After its U.S. launch last year, the FLY Pentop Computer picked up an unheard of trio of awards from the New York Toy Fair -- Innovative Product of the Year, Educational Product of the Year and Overall Toy of the Year. With the FLY Pentop Computer, and various software packages -- which range in price from $34.99 to $39.99 -- there's help with spelling, math, algebra, even some fun stuff like FLY Friends, which can dial a drama that begins with soap opera music and ultimately offers the best advice on various topics such as how to deal with someone at school who's not being nice. Terry said he's getting word out about the new product -- there was an exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and a cross-Canada public relations blitz. Programs and advertisements, including contests, are running on YTV and in back-toschool campaigns. Another upcoming blitz will take place in mid-November in preparation for Christmas. -- Angela Blackburn can be reached at angela@oakvillebeaver.com. SPELLING GRAMMAR READING WRITING MATH FRENCH STUDY SKILLS SUMMER CORE PROGRAMS BETTER GRADES ARE JUST A SUMMER AWAY. A SUMMER TO REMEMBER ­BETTER GRADES IN THE FALL! Summer is the ideal time to catch-up or get ahead for the next grade at Oxford Learning. First, we pinpoint how your child learns. Then, we create an individualized program that goes beyond tutoring to teach your child to learn and study more effectively. For better grades, motivation and confidence this fall, keep your child's mind sharp with just a few hours each week at Oxford Learning. Contact us today for complete details. Maple Grove Village 511 Maple Grove Dr. Suite 2, Oakville (905) 849-4027 1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville (905) 469-1929 380 Dundas St. E. Oakville (905) 257-1207 Little r Reade Fall r& umme ration S t Regis EN W OP NO Voted Best Learning Centre www.oxfordlearning.com